An Interview with Schooly G

[Ryan O'Hara]

Schooly G is the voice of snarky reason on The Comic Book Haters, a podcast that's catching on like comically over-sized sunglasses. I sat down to talk to him--at my computer--about comics, beer's ability to make him do things and why he has so much hate to give.

Firstly, thank you for taking the time to do this.

Certainly, any time.

Since Sloofus isn't here to stop you, is there anything you'd like to say?

He's really a giant dork in real life.

This is a shocking revelation.

I think some people will be totally shocked by this news.

Will Sloofus?

No, he knows it.

Does his wife?

I'm not sure. I would hope so. She's a very nice person, though her sanity is a bit suspect, as she has willingly married Sloofus.

But, you've willingly befriended him, haven't you?

Actually, he saved my life and I owe him a life debt, like a wookie.

For anyone that doesn't know, what is The Comic Book Haters?

The Comic Book Haters is a podcast about comics. The main premise is that one co-host, Sloofus, loves comics and the other co-host, me, hates them. We review comics and talk about comic culture. We have a few regular co-hosts who also appear frequently: Umbrellaman and Cappy.

And your fellow co-hosts regularly accuse you of secretly loving comics.

That is the accusation, yes. It is 100% untrue, however. Shall I relate my comics experience here?

Please.

When I was young, I read a lot of Marvel comics. I was particularly interested in the Marvel Universe Handbooks. I devoured those. My interest in comics waned as I got older, until all I was reading were G.I. Joe comics. By the age of about 14 I stopped that, too. It was around 1988 or so. I know it was before high school.

Why do you think your interest waned?

Not to sound mean, but I think it was just because I grew up. I think the reason I liked the Marvel Universe Handbooks so much was that it was more stories than pictures.

The other reason is that the whole scene really turned me off. Comic book shops were terrible and I hated the whole fanboy "I know more than you do" mentality of shop clerks and hardcore fans. It's what pisses me off about indie music fans, too

So, that's where the hatred comes from?

Well, I suppose that's part of it. But for the most part, I am just naturally a "hater."

Does hosting a podcast about comics allow you to get some of your aggression out?

Not really. It usually just makes it worse.

Then why do it?

I'm here for the beer. And I like hating.

What is a typical recording session for an episode of The Comic Book haters is like?

Generally, we'll gather in Sloofus's Funnybook Dungeon (tm) and just start drinking and recording. Sometimes we'll have a general idea of what we're doing, but most times it's just spur of the moment.

So, there's no preparation that goes into it, other then making sure you have a bottle opener handy?

That's fairly accurate. Sloofus will sometimes have a stack of books that he would like to look at, but mostly it's just "grab from a random stack and go to it."

One last question, what is your favourite comic book?

Issue, or title in general?

Your choice.

Hmmm... I don't like much, but I guess I would have to go with a specific G.I. Joe issue. I can't remember the number exactly. I think it was 21 or 20.

[Note: It was G. I. Joe issue 21]

What is it about this specific comic that makes it your favourite?

Snake Eyes was on the cover, rappelling down a wall, or something, while taking fire. The issue was totally wordless. It revolved around Snake Eyes rescuing Scarlett from--I think--Destro's lair. It was pretty cool. And the cover was badass.

Is there anything else you would like to say?

Just a thanks to all of our regular podcast listeners. It's fun hearing from people who enjoy our retarded show. It's fun making them and hopefully it's fun listening to them. If you like it, spread the word.

Thanks, again.

Thank you. I look forward to your forthcoming publication, by the way. I'm sure we'll find some time to hate on it.

Just don't expect any free copies. Image isn't giving me any and it's $30 a pop.

That's okay. Sloofus will buy anything that has pictures in it.

You can listen to Schooly G drinking beer and insulting comic books on a weekly basis on The Comic Book Haters podcast. Available on iTunes and at their blog: thecomicbookhaters.blogspot.com.

Next time I sit down with Schooly G's co-host, DJ Sloofus, to get his side of the story, and find out whether or not his wife knows that he is a giant dork.